OneDrive Stuck on Sync Pending or Processing Changes: Fixes

OneDrive stuck on Sync pending or Processing changes

"Processing changes" usually means OneDrive is working through an open file, a large batch of uploads or a very large file, or it has just signed in or updated. "Sync pending" usually points to a hidden file, a temporary .TMP file or an empty folder. Closing open files and checking for hidden files fix most cases, and unlinking and re-linking your account is Microsoft's step when the status stays.

This page covers both messages, what to try in order, and the other sync status labels Microsoft lists.

"Processing changes"

Microsoft lists these reasons for OneDrive staying on Processing changes, with the fix for each:

Reason	What to do
You have a OneDrive file open	Close the file once you finish editing
You added a lot of files	Nothing. OneDrive uploads them all, which can take time on a slow connection. Run an internet speed test to rule out other causes
You added a very large file	Move large files such as email data files out of your OneDrive folders, or stop syncing folders that contain large videos. Outlook data files cannot be removed from sync when you use Files On-Demand
You are not signed in	Sign in. If you changed your password, OneDrive might need you to sign in again
You just signed in or updated the computer	OneDrive eventually re-syncs all files, which can take time if there were many changes
Mac after the macOS Big Sur update	Some Mac users may see Processing changes for a long time

Other checks from Microsoft:

• Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar or menu bar to see the list of files that are open, being synced or recently synced.
• Temporary or hidden files can also block sync. See the next section.
• OneDrive log files titled "aria-debug" can safely be deleted.
• If Processing changes remains, unlink and re-link your OneDrive account to reset it.

"Sync pending"

If no visible file explains the status, Microsoft says the cause could be a hidden file.

1. In File Explorer, open the View tab and tick Hidden items to show hidden files.
2. Look for the file or folder that is stuck.

Folder workaround: create a new folder, copy all the files from the Sync pending folder into it, then delete the Sync pending folder.

Empty folders: an empty folder may show Sync pending until you put a file in it.

TMP files: a temporary .TMP file is created to temporarily store information. Microsoft lists four options:

• Upload it manually to onedrive.com.
• Rename it and give it a new extension. If you cannot rename it, the file is still in use, so restart the computer and try again.
• Move it to a folder that is not within your OneDrive.
• Delete it, but Microsoft recommends not deleting any TMP file unless you know it is no longer in use.

Taskbar icon stays on Sync pending: if the OneDrive icon itself shows Sync pending, you may need to delete your Office Document Cache. Microsoft links separate steps for that.

Unlink and re-link OneDrive

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar or menu bar, then the Help and Settings gear, then Settings or Preferences.
2. Go to the Account tab and select Unlink this PC (Unlink this Mac on a Mac), then confirm.
3. Sign in to OneDrive again and set up the folder.

Microsoft states that you won't lose files or data by unlinking OneDrive from your computer, and you can always reach them at OneDrive.com. How to uninstall OneDrive has the unlink steps for Windows and Mac in more detail.

Other sync status labels

Microsoft's sync troubleshooting page lists these statuses, each with its own fix article:

• OneDrive processing changes
• OneDrive paused
• OneDrive account nearly full
• OneDrive account full, locked or frozen
• OneDrive not signed in
• OneDrive sync error
• File locked

If you exceed your Microsoft storage, you won't be able to upload, edit or sync new files. If no OneDrive icons appear in the taskbar or notification area, the icons may have moved or OneDrive may not be running. For SharePoint libraries, see OneDrive sync issues with SharePoint libraries, which covers the item limit, invalid names, long paths and read-only libraries.

Frequently asked questions

Why is OneDrive stuck on Processing changes?

A file may be open, you may have added many or very large files, you may not be signed in, or you may have just signed in or updated. Close open files and check the list of files in progress from the OneDrive icon.

How long does Processing changes take?

Microsoft gives no duration. It says changes may take some time, especially with many files or a slow connection.

Why is OneDrive stuck on Sync pending?

A hidden file, a temporary .TMP file or an empty folder is often the cause. Show hidden items in File Explorer, and try the new folder workaround.

Can I delete TMP files?

Microsoft recommends you do not delete any TMP files unless you know for sure they are no longer in use. You can upload, rename or move them instead.

How do I reset OneDrive?

Unlink and re-link your account: open OneDrive Settings, go to the Account tab, select Unlink this PC, then sign in again.

Will I lose files if I unlink OneDrive?

Microsoft states you won't lose files or data by unlinking OneDrive from your computer, and you can access them at OneDrive.com.

Can I delete the aria-debug log files?

Yes. Microsoft says any OneDrive log files titled aria-debug can safely be deleted.

Related reading

• How to stop, pause or turn off OneDrive sync - pause, choose folders, stop a library or unlink a PC.
• OneDrive Files On-Demand - icons, free up space and always keep.
• OneDrive sync issues with SharePoint libraries - limits and fixes for synced libraries.
• How to uninstall OneDrive - unlink, hide or uninstall.
• OneDrive deleted files: how to recover them - the recycle bin and restoring a OneDrive.